Joe Biden has apologised for the "unimaginable cruelty" of slavery.
Joe Biden has apologised for slavery
The US president referred to the issue as the nation's "original sin" during a gathering of African leaders at a White House dinner on Wednesday (14.12.22).
Biden has pledged $55 billion in investment to the continent and claimed that the US will support "Africa's future".
The president said: "Our people lie at the heart of the deep and profound connection that forever binds Africa and the United States together.
"We remember the stolen men and women and children were brought to our shores in chains, subjected to unimaginable cruelty."
Biden and the visiting leaders were later serenaded with a performance by singer Gladys Knight with a performance in the White House State Dining Room.
The White House confirmed that $55 billion was being directed to Africa in the areas of health, climate change, trade and women's initiatives.
Biden's meeting with African leaders has been seen as a way of limiting the power of China - which has invested more in the continent than any other nation.
Despite the president's charm offensive, many of the leaders rejected the notion that they need to choose between the US and China.
Ethiopia's UN ambassador Taye Atske Selassie said: "The fact that both countries have different levels of realisations with African countries makes them equally important for Africa's development.
"However, it should be known each African country has the agency to determine their respective relationship and best interest."
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